Scenario S represents the Steering Committee’s vision for Superstition Vistas. Click for a larger version.



Proposed Transport Network. Click for a larger version.

The vision for the Superstition Vistas is represented in Scenario S, which was designed to include the best pieces of the four initial scenarios in terms of housing needs match, jobs-housing balance, economic development catalysts, and transportation investments. It was reviewed and refined by the Superstition Vistas steering committee to represent a best-practices concept for the eventual build-out of the area.

In terms overall land consumption, Scenario S consumes about 54% of the total study area in Superstition Vistas. This represents less overall developed footprint than Scenario B, but more than C or D.

Transportation

Transportation investments include the planned Williams Gateway freeway (the dominant transportation feature in Scenario X), but also a regional commuter rail system that connects with downtown Phoenix. Scenario S was designed to be less dense than the more transit-supportive Scenario D, in order to more accurately match the projected housing demand, which included a larger share of single-family homes.

The effect can be seen in the reduction in households and jobs within close proximity of transit. However, this reduction in density is offset by a more robust local transit network, which was able to increase transit ridership to levels achieved in the three initial scenarios. This represents a clear trade-off between matching housing demand and investing in multi-modal transportation. In terms of transportation carbon emissions from vehicles, Scenario S has lower overall output than Scenarios B and C, but is not as efficient as Scenario D.

Housing

Housing is predominantly made up of single-family homes on small lots. Neighborhoods are organized around strategically placed centers, so residents can walk, bike, or take transit to the store and local-serving businesses. The housing profile for Scenario S closely matches that of Scenario B, and very closely matches the need, based on Superstition Vistas’ projected housing profile. The higher proportion of single-family homes in B and S contributed to greater building carbon emissions. This represents another trade-off that comes from matching the housing need for Superstition Vistas. Under Scenario S there is a heightened need to incorporate sustainable energy building practices, particularly in residential buildings.